Nanotechnology
Nanotechnology is the study of material behaviour and manipulation on a nanometric scale, in other words, at an atomic and molecular level. Nanomaterials' dimensions range between 10-9 m and their application in different scientific fields has emerged on an international level as one of the most dynamic and promissing approaches to development and innovation. Currently there are two approaches to nanomaterials' production:
- “Top-down” - nanomaterials are developed through the abrasion of macroscopic materials, through physical processes where, for instance, materials are ground until very small particles with low granulometric homogeneity on the nanometric scale are achieved.
- “Bottom-up” – nanomaterials are developed through atom-by-atom or molecule-by-molecule construction of structures. The most commonly used process is chemical, however physical processes may also be used, such as the electrospinning technique.
Due to their small size, nano materials have a high surface/volume ratio, inducing a high reactivity in relation to other materials on a macro scale. Such properties make them enhancers in minimalist applications, but with a large functionality increment.
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